Transformers One
Transformers One
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree-Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key
Directed by Josh Cooley
On Cybertron, there's two classes of robots - ones that have a cog and are able to transform, and ones without, who cannot transform and are relegated to the mines to dig up Energon, a form of fuel that keeps the robots going. Two of these non-cog robots are Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and his pal D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry). While Pax is adventurous and spontaneous, D-16 is intelligent and thinks things through, not acting on whims. When Pax discovers a map that could lead them to the lost Matrix of Leadership, he takes D-16 on a journey of self-discovery, and along with him he brings fellow miners Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson) and B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key). What they discover will upset the balance of leadership and begin the rift between the two friends that will culminate in centuries-old battles between them.
"Transformers One" had high bars to rise to in my mind, and while it didn't necessarily meet them, I was able to justify its existence, and ultimately I found it better than the Bay monstrosities, so there's that. The animation is exquisite, the vocal performances are strong, the story is very predictable but also heartfelt, and I left with a smile having enjoyed myself.
The movie follows your traditional MacGuffin quest, as Pax and pals go in search of the Matrix of Leadership that will bring back springs of Energon life to the planet. It follows typical patterns that doesn't leave much room for originality, but the quest itself is fun. The comedic timing is pitch perfect, and there's deep character development, especially from Brian Tyree Henry's D-16. As anyone with even an ounce of "Transformers" knowledge knows, Orion Pax becomes the Autobot leader Optimus Prime, and D-16 becomes the Decepticon leader Megatron, and the two have been at odds for centuries. But here, they're best friends, so we all know it will go sour - and sour does it go, as D-16 goes from a kind, intelligent robot to someone hell-bent on revenge.
This creates a unique twist in the tale, as it not-so-subtly points to slavery in America's past and its iteration on Cybertron. Pax, D-16, Elita and B are worker drones who are seen as lesser compared to their superiors, and they work tirelessly and not given breaks. Pax and D-16 have the same idea in freeing the workers from their tyrannical overlords, but they have differing viewpoints on how to do it: Pax wants to do it through peace, while D-16 wants war. In a sense, they're comparable to Professor X and Magneto from "X-Men," or even Cain and Abel from the Bible. Both have valid points and ultimately want the same thing, but the method they go about doing it is what separates them for life. It's a deeply powerful message thrown into a children's movie, and I appreciated it for that.
The voice acting, however, really had a lot to be desired. Brian Tyree Henry is the standout, as he transforms his voice from good-natured to downright terrifying, but the others just exist. Chris Hemsworth is no Peter Cullen (who's voiced Optimus Prime through the television series and every live-action iteration so far), and you clearly hear his voice through the role - making it bland and typical. Scarlett Johansson and Keegan-Michael Key are given roles that are stereotypical to other roles they've played: Johansson's Elita-1 is the no-nonsense, tough-as-nails chick while Key is the comedic relief. Again, nothing too exciting here.
While it's not as great as the classic cartoon and movie, "Transformers One" does elevate itself from the live-action films and makes for an enjoyable - if not predictable - experience.
The Score: A-
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